Chapter 289: Duoduo, This Is the Last Time
The old king finally saw that he had his full attention and suppressed his anger as he said, “According to the scouts, Yao’er’s death is suspicious. I suspect that wretched brat Qi Hengqing crossed the river and burned the bridge. Now that he’s emperor and his footing is steady, he can’t wait to eliminate those who get in his way. He’s afraid Yao’er might have revealed some of Eastern Lin’s secrets to me. That bastard!”
Gong Moran nodded slightly. “Qi Hengqing’s move is clearly a provocation against our Southern Yun Kingdom. If Southern Yun retreats even on this matter, Eastern Lin will only push further. Therefore, my proposal is also—war.”
The old king was delighted, but then worry crept in. “I’ve heard that since Qi Hengqing ascended the throne half a year ago, he has been drilling his troops daily and even purchased a large number of horses from the Northern Wu Kingdom. Eastern Lin’s military strength is no longer what it used to be.”
Gong Moran replied indifferently, “Your Majesty may rest assured. With this campaign, and with me accompanying Your Majesty, Southern Yun will only win, never lose.”
Hearing this, all of the old king’s earlier displeasure vanished. He stood up and bowed deeply to him. He didn’t even mind that Gong Moran was still holding a woman in his arms—this bow was also meant for her. He was simply too happy.
With the National Preceptor’s boundless sorcery, Southern Yun feared Eastern Lin not at all.
Gong Moran suddenly thought of something and looked at the old king. “If my guess is correct, once war breaks out, Qi Hengqing will personally lead the expedition to boost morale. Does Your Majesty have the same intention?”
The old king answered at once, “With the National Preceptor’s protection, what do I have to fear? I too am willing to lead the army in person, to show everyone that I’m not old yet!”
After the old king left, Nan Xun said with worry written all over her face, “My lord, swords and blades have no eyes. Are you really going to go with him?”
Gong Moran patted her head. “Duoduo, don’t be afraid. I’ll be fine. If you’re worried, you can come with me.”
“Really? But I’m afraid I’ll only hold you back,” Nan Xun said, squinting so she could see more clearly.
“With me here, no one would dare say you’re a burden.” Gong Moran paused, then asked, “Duoduo, Princess Yao has only just died. Do you resent me for letting you take revenge only now?”
Though that woman had lingered on so long before dying, her end was excruciating—far worse than a quick death. This was her retribution. She never should have schemed against Duoduo, let alone harbored murderous intent toward her.
Nan Xun let out a small “ah.” “Of course not. Actually, if she hadn’t harbored evil thoughts back then—if she hadn’t tricked me into that side hall and tried to pair me with the Fifth Prince—I wouldn’t have accidentally stumbled into things and, with you… ahem, accomplished something good.”
Gong Moran didn’t feel awkward at all upon hearing this. He merely smiled faintly. “Back then, I overthought things and nearly failed Duoduo’s sincere feelings.”
Five days later, Southern Yun’s proclamation of punishment and declaration of war were delivered to Eastern Lin. Both monarchs personally led their armies, and the fighting was fierce.
Eastern Lin’s soldiers were brave and battle-hardened, and Qi Hengqing was shrewd and resourceful. Over four months of several major battles, Eastern Lin nearly routed Southern Yun time and again—yet at the final moment, strange phenomena would always appear.
When Eastern Lin read the heavens and used fire attacks, the opposing National Preceptor, whose sorcery reached the skies, would summon torrential rain to extinguish the flames. When Eastern Lin encircled Southern Yun’s troops so tightly that there was no escape, demonic winds would suddenly arise, opening a gap for Southern Yun’s army to break through.
Eventually, the Eastern Lin forces—once certain of victory—began retreating step by step, until they were finally driven back into Eastern Lin.
The old king intended to press the advantage, but the National Preceptor stopped him. Though Southern Yun emerged victorious in the end, its losses were no less than Eastern Lin’s.
Qi Hengqing was furious. With a grim face, he stood atop the city walls and swore loudly to the assembled soldiers, “One day, I will personally lead you into Southern Yun’s imperial capital and ensure that the demon Gong Moran dies a miserable death!”
As for Southern Yun, the old king celebrated the victory by drinking too much. Unexpectedly, the very next day he caught a chill.
Somehow, news spread back to Southern Yun that the old king had died on the battlefield.
The court was thrown into turmoil. The Empress’s faction and the Second Prince could no longer wait to seize the throne. This time, the Fifth Prince did not resist and watched as the crowd supported the Second Prince’s ascension.
On the day the Second Prince was enthroned, the old king and the National Preceptor returned. Enraged by the Second Prince’s actions, the old king ordered immediate execution.
This outburst damaged the old king’s health even further, and he fell gravely ill once again.
Seated on the dragon bed, he saw the man in white walk in through the door. He hurriedly reached out to grab him, gasping, “National Preceptor, National Preceptor—didn’t you say I could live another six years? Why am I failing after just over a year?”
Gong Moran did not approach. He stood at a distance, watching coldly, and said flatly, “You originally could have lived six more years. But this time, Your Majesty’s great rage injured your foundation. That was beyond expectation, and there’s nothing I can do.”
The old king looked unwilling to accept it. “National Preceptor, please help me extend my life a few more years. I don’t want to die like this—I haven’t lived enough!”
Gong Moran frowned slightly, appearing troubled. “But—”
The old king’s eyes lit up. “I’ve executed the Second Prince. I still have four sons left. National Preceptor, borrow their lives to extend mine! Leave only the Fourth and Fifth Princes—no, don’t even keep the Fourth. He’s just a spineless wretch born of a dancer anyway. Leave only the Fifth. I’ve raised them all these years. Without me, how would they enjoy such glory and wealth today? National Preceptor, do you think I’m going too far?”
Gong Moran said calmly, “As long as Your Majesty has a clear conscience, there’s no need to seek anyone else’s opinion.”
Inside the main hall of the Moran Pavilion, Nan Xun watched Gong Moran write the birth dates and times of several princes onto talisman paper. She couldn’t help frowning. Suddenly, she grasped his hand, her eyes filled with pleading, and said softly, “My lord, don’t use forbidden techniques anymore…”
During the months of war with Eastern Lin, she had witnessed him use sorcery again and again—each time an act that defied the heavens. On those nights of the full moon, the backlash struck especially hard. To conceal his abnormality, she would cling to him like a little demon every time, the two of them entwining desperately in the tent. She cried out loudly, trying to cover the man’s painful groans.
Even if the soldiers secretly called her a wanton, it didn’t matter. She could never allow his weakness to be exposed.
Gong Moran knew exactly what she was worried about. He slowly pried her fingers away and smiled faintly. “Duoduo, I promise you—this is the last time.”
Nan Xun’s eyes reddened. “You said it. If I catch you using heaven-defying sorcery again, I’ll make you regret it. I really will.”
